Thursday, July 30, 2009

Yesterday, while Matty very quietly got ready for work (like he always does), HE...

didn't turn on the lights

Shut the doors veryquietly

Blocked Izzy from pummeling me

&

Leaned over me very sweetly and kissed me.

And what did I do?Well, I let out a huge irritated grunt, mustered the strength in my tired arms and pushed him away.Naturally.When I came to and realized what I had done, I blankly starred at him with confused eyes.Looking offended, he said "Sorry, I just don't know how to say goodbye without kissing you."

Are you kidding me?Could he be any sweeter?I mean he is my most favorite thing in all of the world and his kisses are better than gold.Today he kissed the top of my head.

So... Matty, this is my formal apology.

Oh and I'll never push you away when you try to kiss me... EVER again (unless I'm real mad and you are in big trouble).As far as kicking you in the kidney's and stealing the covers while I sleep... I really can't help you there.

Thursday, July 23, 2009

Everyone told me I was going to be tired but I was not prepared for the “feels like I’ve been drugged” kind of tired. When I get home from work, I am totally worthless. This is really not a good thing, especially when I run a small business in the evenings and weekends. My poor (understanding ) husband hasn’t had a decent meal in weeks. (I did make a "real" meal last night. I was mighty proud and I'm sure Matt appreciated the effort).

I shot a wedding in Chicago on Saturday with the talented Matt DeBackere. An Indian Catholic wedding mind you... it was beautiful but it made for QUITE the day. Then on Sunday we had a family reunion of sorts (appropriately deemed Dudfest 09). Both were lovely but I’m pretty sure I still haven't recovered as far as sleep and energy are concerned.

Speaking of Dudfest 09, WHAT A FANTASTIC DAY! What a fantastic family of believers I have. SO much love, support, and friendship. It was GREAT to spend time with Granddad who has just recently decided to opt out of Chemo treatments. How proud we are of this patriarch. How much we adore him. How much we can praise Jesus for Granddad's life here on earth and praise him even more for his eternal life with Jesus. A man of faith and love that we all hope we have a piece of. A man who has made those around him feel like they were the most important, and special people on this earth. I only hope that my son or daughter will become half the man he is. I can't even describe the amount of love and respect I have for him and the impact he has had on my life.

I have been thinking and praying a lot about life and death recently so bear with me.

I've been trying to wrap my brain around the consequences of our sins and eternal life. It's been a battle in my heart and mind and I praise God for giving me a little bit more understanding in the recent weeks.

This is what I have come up with so far:

God created us as mortal creatures in the beginning but he provided for our every need, including the Tree of Life. It's purpose was to extend man's life and to stave off the forces of decay. Our number of days were eternal while eating from the tree that God had provided.

When sin entered the world through Adam and Eve, God expelled mankind from the Garden, purposely separating them from the Tree of Life. Therefore human death and decay and separation from God became the payment for sin. We were intended to live eternally in communion with God in a perfect place provided by Him. Death became a constant reminder of the consequences of our sin. When Jesus came to earth he bridged the gap from death/separation from God to eternal communion with God. Jesus says in John 6: 47- 50...

"Truly, truly, I say to you, whoever believes has eternal life. I am the bread of life. Your fathers ate the manna in the wilderness, and they died. This is the bread that comes down from heaven, so that one may eat of it and not die."

"But now that you have been set free from sin and have become slaves of God, the fruit you get leads to sanctification and its end, eternal life. For the wages of sin is death, but the free gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord." Romans 6:22-23

So we are left to struggle, strive and die (we will live no more than 120 years) as a reminder of our sin. On earth, if we believe and trust in Jesus as savior, we get to be sanctified, forgiven and set free. But as believers we have a choice when it comes to death. We can fear death or we can rejoice in it. We get to meet our perfect creator and live for all of eternity in the vastness of his glory. And a little encouragement about our sufferings on Earth from 1 Peter 4:12-14.

“Beloved, do not think it strange concerning the fiery trial which is to try you, as though some strange thing happened to you; but rejoice to the extent that you partake of Christ’s sufferings, that when His glory is revealed, you may also be glad with exceeding joy. If you are reproached for the name of Christ, blessed are you, for the Spirit of glory and of God rests upon you.”

In conclusion, our time here on earth is much better spent thinking of things above, for our lives are but vapors. The James 4:13-14 says...

"Come now, you who say, 'Today or tomorrow we will go into such and such a town and spend a year there and trade and make a profit'— yet you do not know what tomorrow will bring. What is your life? For you are a mist that appears for a little time and then vanishes. Instead you ought to say, 'If the Lord wills, we will live and do this or that.'"

Granddad told us on Saturday that "this was one of the best days of his life" but hold on to your hat Granddad for In HIS presence there is the fullness of joy. (Psalm 16:11)

Wednesday, July 15, 2009

Last weekend I had the pleasure of throwing my dear friend Betsy a baby celebration. She is expecting her third child in August and this time it's a girl (she has 2 boys at home)! Close friends and family gathered to love on Betsy and baby girl G.

I had a blast decorating the house in lots of pink.

Betsy and baby girl G. Made out quite nicely with lots a sweet little goodies. There was lots of squealing and oooohing.

I made Betsy a quilt. This one was my first super girly one (I had TONS of fun making it). I have seriously considered selling them on ETSY, but I just don't think I have the time. Maybe someday.

Monday, July 13, 2009

Since Matt and I had a 3 day weekend over the 4th of July, we decided it would be a GREAT weekend to tell our families that we were expecting. We made my mom a little onsie that said "I love Nana." It took my mom a few minutes to actually get it but I think they were pretty excited once everyone figured it out. My parents took my nephew Kellen camping in New Salem so we headed out that way and hung there for awhile.

Doesn't Keagan have the prettiest blue eyes??

Look at his CHUBBY legs!

After telling my parents, we headed down to O'Fallon to tell Matt's parents. We got my mother-in-law a Willow Tree grandmother box. We wrapped it up and gave it to her without explanation. She got it pretty much right away. I think they were all pretty shocked.

Anyway, the Anderson's had a pool party on the 4th. Unfortunately, the weather didn't cooperate but we all had a lovely time chatting and eating. We headed to the river with whole fam to watch the fireworks that night.

Celebrating with some of my favorite people...

Speaking of St. Louis, our friends Janna and Derek came and visited this weekend and they gave us our very first outfit for peanut. It's a little Cardinal outfit, with a matching bib! WAY TOO CUTE. Can't wait till peanut can actually wear it (yes, I am aware that I actually have to gestate for 9 months first).

Friday, July 10, 2009

Written by Shannon LeighThat this handsome devil is going to be a father?

I guess that means that I'm gonna be a mommy too.

We are super excited and slightly terrified at the idea. We are in charge of another life now! Talk about pressure...

I am feeling great so far. I had a little run in with my prenatal vitamins, they were making me super sick. But I have switched and now I am feeling much better. I'm about 8 weeks and I have my first appointment next week.

Sorry I haven't been updating much lately, but it's true what they say about being tired during the first trimester. When I get home from work I can hardly keep my eyes open. Now that I am feeling MUCH better after the vitamin incident, I'm hoping I will be updating more regularly. We will keep you posted about all things belly related.

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About Me

iving in Champaign, Illinois with my husband, our beautiful daughter Ruby Evangeline and a crazy poodle named Izzy.
During my time as a photography student at Southern Illinois University, my professors instilled in me a desire to settle for nothing less than perfection in every photograph. With that desire in hand, I am now pursuing my dream to become a portrait photographer.
I love to layer texture and pattern in my photographs while maintaining the integrity, personality and natural beauty of my subject.
The Lord has blessed me beyond belief and I love to make all things in life beautiful.